500 French Schools Close Amid Student Protest Violence

nos.nl (Dutch) —

About 500 French schools will remain closed or partially open Monday due to unrest from student protests over education issues, which have included violent incidents. Thousands of students and teachers are demonstrating against building maintenance backlogs, teacher shortages, and overcrowded classrooms. Over 5,000 people have been arrested, with 85 percent being minors, and 24 schools have been damaged by fire or looting. Education Minister Geffray accuses left-wing politician Jean-Luc Mélenchon of fueling the anger, while protest organizers distance themselves from the violence. A woman in Marseille was seriously burned by a flame from a spray can, and a 15-year-old suspect has been arrested.


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